The nitty-gritty of recalling the senators

[dragonlady]

Everybody seems to agree that it's time to take concrete action against the Republicans who are backing Scott Walker's overreach. I think it's critical that these recalls be well organized before anything official is done. If several groups start registering recalls for the same senator, it could turn into a turf war and divide our efforts so that nothing actually is accomplished. It seems that the Democratic Party and labor are already working on this. Actually, I think it's better if they organize it because they have more resources to throw at this project than any startup group could muster. (Let's not kid ourselves, this is going to take plenty of money for materials and messaging, and for legal representation when the challenges and appeals start rolling, not to mention supporting the candidate who runs against the incumbent in the recall election.)

The following is about Dr. Sheldon Wasserman, former member of the Assembly and the most likely candidate to defeat Alberta Darling. He is a very energetic campaigner (literally wears out the shoe leather) and came within half a percent in 2008.

Wasserman said Friday that he has been contacted by a handful of Democrats and union officials asking if he would run against Darling if she faces a recall election.

Wasserman, an OB/GYN, made it clear that he is itching to take on the veteran lawmaker. He said Darling, who has run as a moderate Republican, is already toeing Walker's "hard-core conservative" party line.

"I am interested," said Wasserman, who seriously considered running for Milwaukee County executive after Walker was elected governor in November. "She'll have a fight on her hands."

In all, Democratic insiders and labor leaders have identified six Senate Republicans who may be the subject of recall elections. But the focus, so far, seems to be on Darling and Sens. Dan Kapanke of La Crosse and Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac, both of whom are from districts that are fairly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.

http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/politics/116545518.htm

I hope the other districts will find candidates just as good.

[murielm99]

1. I asked my daughter about this tonight.

It seems that the recall effort against Darling is the best organized so far.

Go Wisconsin. You can do this.

[LiberalFighter]

2. It needs to be left in the hands of those that know what is required.

Some points:

1) Petition is to have a recall election. It does not oust the elected official.
2) Petition requires 25% of those voting in last election for Governor.
3) 6 week time frame for the recall election.
4) Elected official attempting to be recalled can run for election.
5) Elected official has the advantage of name recognition.
6) The margin of victory in the previous election needs to be small for a chance to win.

[nebenaube]

4. We've seen his true colors so I don't think he'll win again. n/t

[sybylla]

3. What we need to do now is find strong candidates.

You're right, Dragonlady, and I'm hearing rumors that the DPW has such plans.

From the time the recall papers are turned in to election day is 6 weeks. We need to have strong candidates ready to go the minute those papers are turned it.